© AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB never greyhound-like . Strong with good muscular tension as well as in the flanks and loins . Tail - Set medium high , with 45 degree angle to the upper line . Sabre-shaped , thick and long , reaching to the hocks but not further down . At rest it hangs down naturally ; when the dog is in action , it is slightly raised over the upper line and constantly moving sidewards . When trotting , it is carried level with the upper line or slightly above .
Forequarters : As a whole , they form a sturdy and solid structure of bones and muscles , proportionate to the size of the animal . Forelegs straight and vertical , seen from the front or in profile . Shoulders - High and proportioned . Very strong , with great muscular contours without exaggeration . Slanting of 45 degrees to the horizontal . Upper arm - Of medium length , proportionate to the whole . Strong and very muscular , with a 45 degree angle to the horizontal . Elbows - Sturdy , covered with a thicker and more elastic skin , without folds or wrinkles . Naturally situated against the chest wall of which they seem to be part . Forearm - As long as the upper arm , perpendicular to the horizontal , straight with strong bone and muscles . Pastern joint - Broad and in line with the forearm , without bony prominences or skin folds . Pastern - Slightly flat , well boned , slanting of 70 to 75 degrees to the horizontal plane . Front feet - Rounded ; with short , sturdy , very tight toes . Fleshy , hard pads , covered by black and rough-to-the-touch skin .
Hindquarters : With medium angulation . As a whole , they are strong , sturdy and parallel , creating the image of the great power their function requires . They ensure the proper impulsion and determine the dog ’ s characteristic gait . Upper thigh - Length proportionate to the whole . Strong and with fully developed and visible muscles . Coxo-femoral angle close to 100 degrees . Stifles - Set in the same axis as the limb . Femoral-tibial angle close to 110 degrees . Lower thigh - Slightly shorter than the upper thigh , strong and with similarly developed muscles . Hock joint / Hock - The tarsus-metatarsus section is short , strong and firm , ensuring powerful propelling of the hind limb . Sturdy hock joint with a noticeable calcaneus ( tip of hock ). The angle at the hock joint is close to 140 degrees . Sturdy hock , almost cylindrical and at 90 degrees angle to the horizontal . If present , dewclaws should be removed . Hind feet - Similar to forefeet , though slightly smaller and broader , but with the same characteristics .
Coat : Uniform , short , plain and smooth to the touch , with an average length of 1 ⁄ 2 to 3 ⁄ 4 inch . Variable density and thickness according to different climates . In tropical climates the coat is sparse and thin ( letting the skin shine through and making pigmented regions visible which is not a cause of penalty ). In a cold climate it is thicker and denser and may present an undercoat .
Color : Completely white ; only one black or dark colored patch around the eye may be admitted , provided that it does not cover more than 10 percent of the head . Between two dogs of equal conformation , the judge should always choose the whiter one .
Skin : Homogeneous , slightly thick , but smooth and elastic . Adhering to the body through a semilax subcutaneous tissue which ensures free movement without forming relevant folds , except for the neck area where the subcutaneous tissue is laxer . With as little pigmentation as possible , though this increases with the years . An excessive pigmentation of the skin is not accepted . Preference should be given to dogs with black pigmentation of the rims of labial and palpebral mucous membranes .
Gait : Agile and firm ; with noticeable modification when showing interest in something , changing into an erect attitude and responding to reflexes quickly , typical for this breed . Calm walk , extended trot , with a good front suspension and a powerful rear propelling . At gallop , the dog shows all of its energy displaying its power fully . The four feet leave simple , parallel traces . Ambling ( pacing ) is not accepted and is considered a serious fault .
Size : Height at the withers - Dogs : 24 to 27 inches . Bitches : 23 1 ⁄ 2 to 26 inches .
Temperament : It is cheerful , frank , humble , friendly , and not a hard barker , always conscious of its power . It should never be aggressive , a trait that should be severely observed . Its domineering attitude makes it continuously compete for territory with specimens of the same sex , most noticeable behavior in males . As a hunter , it is smart , silent , courageous and brave .
Faults : Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog .
Serious Faults : Poor bone and muscle development ( weakness ). Nose with little pigmentation . Pendulous lips . Small , weak or decayed teeth . Incomplete dentition . Eyes excessively light ; entropion , ectropion . Barrel chest ; keel chest . Flat ribs . Excessive angulations of the hindquarters . Hock too long . Untypical movement . Excessive skin pigmentation in young dogs . Appearance of small areas with coloured hairs . Unsteady temperament .
Disqualifying Faults : Aggressiveness . Nose without pigmentation . Over or undershot mouth . Light blue eyes ; eyes of different color ( heterochromia ). Deafness . Long coat . Patches in the body coat . More than one patch on the head . Height under 23 1 ⁄ 2 inches and over 27 inches . Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioral abnormalities shall be disqualified . N . B . - Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum .
MARCH 2017 DOGS IN REVIEW 79